Q: Is the scabies rash contagious?
The rash itself is not contagious, but the mites that cause scabies can be transferred from person to person. Passing scabies to another person requires skin-to-skin contact. There have been authentic cases of scabies being transferred through handshakes, but it typically takes longer, closer personal contact to transfer scabies. People living in crowded conditions and shelters during times of poverty are most at risk.